Demand for Croatian products in SPAR stores across Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia has been steadily increasing. Sales of Croatian products within the SPAR sales network reached €82 million in the first six months of 2023, compared to €66.7 million in the same period the previous year.

Collaborative development

The initial own brand products exported were all developed in collaboration with Croatian manufacturers by SPAR Croatia. The success of these products in foreign markets is a reflection of the high quality of these own brand items.

In 2023, SPAR Croatia began exporting its Croatian own brands to the affiliated retail network in Austria, which has over 1,500 SPAR stores.

In Slovenia, sales revenue surged to €64 million from €52 million in 2022, primarily due to improved collaboration with Croatian producers including Zigante Tartufi, Vindija, ZMH Horvat, and Al Ponte. Direct exports of 43 Croatian own label products were placed into SPAR stores in Slovenia, increasing the market penetration of those producers.

SPAR Croatia has worked in partnership with local producers since the brand’s launch in 2005. Fresh produce is retailed under the ‘Gardens of Croatia’ and promoted through ‘Yes, Local’, campaigns. There is also a variety of SPAR Own Brand products procured in the local market, building on the regionally and internationally sourced ranges. In 2020, SPAR Croatia also launched a concept titled ‘Start Croatia’ which supports entrepreneurs keen to expand their business by accessing the formal retail market.

Source: SPAR Croatia

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About SPAR Croatia

A licence agreement was granted to ASPIAG (Austrian SPAR International AG) by SPAR International in 2004. Brand development has primarily taken place through SPAR Supermarkets and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets, both through the take-over of existing chains and investment in new stores.  SPAR Croatia has a strong local sourcing programme and offers selected local entrepreneurs access to the formal market.